Too suggestive to be dismissed as harmless workplace bonhomie but too mild to be termed sexual harassment? If your boss has been over-friendly, inappropriate or plain crude and lewd, here’s how to put him in his place.

Maintain your distance: Has your boss been getting too close for (your) comfort? With the pretext to peer over your computer screen, for example? You can either encourage it by keeping mum and bearing it (he’ll take it as a green signal and make further moves) or by discreetly but firmly making it understood that you won’t tolerate such behaviour.

Control your body language: Facial expressions, gestures, posture and general non-verbal reactions to everyday situations give away a lot about your comfort level/reationship with the person in question. Have you been subconsciously mirroring his moves, or indulging in some coquettish eyelid-batting or hair twirling when he’s around? You’ve been inviting trouble in that case.

Keep it professional: It takes two to tango. Or not. Make an effort to behave and dress in a businesslike fashion. In case your boss calls you too often for one-on-one “meetings”, start avoiding them in case you think they’re a pretext. Or suggest that other co-workers be present. If he asks you out for a post-work “date”, please don’t be flattered and look at it as a way to further your career. Unless you want to be (known as) the Office Slut.

Avoid power games: Don’t blindly flirt with another male colleague/superior hoping that it’ll drive home the message that you’re just not interested in your boss. The person you’re “using” could fall prey to your moves, or actually complain/gossip about you. Not the best thing for your reputation in the company/industry, is it now?

Hint at your husband/boyfriend: This should be relatively easy for those in a relationship, married or with kids. However, even if you’re single and are dying to get a persistent boss off your back, talk about your better half. This will dilute your boss’ enthusiasm.

Report it: There’s a limit to how much you can and should tolerate. In case none of the above measures work, talk to HR before the $#!^ hits the fan. And if there’s someone else who’s been prey to the same offender, great. There’s power in numbers.

Too suggestive to be dismissed as harmless workplace bonhomie but too mild to be termed sexual harassment? If your boss has been over-friendly, inappropriate or plain crude and lewd, here’s how to put him in his place.